10 Critical Steps After Closing on Your Florida Home (2025 Guide) | The Listing Team

10 Critical Steps After Closing on Your Florida Home (2025 Guide)

May 10, 2025

The Listing Team at RESF

South Florida’s Trusted Real Estate Advisors Since 2010
Phone: 954-342-6180 | Email: info@reallistingagent.com

PROPERTY SEARCH

Keys in hand? Before you celebrate, here are the 10 non-negotiable tasks every Florida homeowner should complete immediately after closing. Based on our experience with hundreds of local transactions, these steps will protect your investment and prevent headaches down the road.

1. Secure Your Property

Safety first in your new Florida home:

Re-key or replace all exterior locks (including garage)
Reset garage door opener codes
Change any smart lock passcodes
Install security system if not already present

Pro Tip:

Many Broward County locksmiths offer new homeowner discounts when re-keying multiple locks at once.

2. Deep Clean Before Moving In

Easier to do when the house is empty:

Professional carpet cleaning (especially important in Florida’s humid climate)
HVAC duct cleaning (reduces allergens and improves efficiency)
Kitchen deep clean (including inside appliances and cabinets)

3. Set Up Essential Utilities

Florida-specific considerations:

Electricity (FPL or local provider – often requires deposit)
Water/sewer service (contact your municipality)
Internet/cable (schedule installation early – wait times can be long)

Florida Essential:

Don’t forget to check if your new home has hurricane protection and whether it meets current code requirements.

4. Locate Critical Home Systems

Know these before an emergency:

Main water shut-off valve
Electrical panel (label circuits if not already marked)
HVAC system and filters
Gas shut-off (if applicable)

5. Change Air Filters & Check AC

Vital in South Florida’s climate:

Replace all air filters (note sizes for future reference)
Schedule HVAC maintenance if not recently serviced
Test thermostat operation

6. Test Safety Equipment

Don’t wait for an emergency:

Smoke detectors (replace batteries immediately)
Carbon monoxide detectors (required in Florida homes)
Fire extinguishers (check expiration dates)

7. Document Everything

Create a home management binder with:

Photos of utility meter readings on move-in day
Digital copies of all closing documents
Warranty information for appliances and systems

8. Update Your Address

Critical Florida-specific updates:

Florida DMV (must update within 30 days)
Homestead exemption application (save on property taxes)
Voter registration

9. Connect With Your Community

Florida living essentials:

Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors
Learn trash/recycling schedule (varies by municipality)
Register for community amenities (pools, gyms, etc.)

10. Schedule a Post-Closing Inspection

Even if you waived inspection contingencies:

Identifies issues before warranties expire
Provides baseline for future maintenance
The Listing Team offers complimentary 30-day walkthroughs for our clients

The Listing Team Advantage

Our clients receive exclusive access to:

Preferred vendor list (trusted local contractors)
First-year maintenance calendar
Neighborhood orientation guide

Claim Your New Homeowner Resources